To find out what the working life of an HR Professional in Mozambique is really like we interviewed a HR Professional at a leading retail firm based in Maputo. Hear what skills, experience and qualifications she thinks you need to be successful in this challenging role.

What does your current role involve?

I work at a  leading retail firm based in Maputo, Mozambique and I lead the company's Human Resource practices within one of their key divisions. 

No day is ever the same. And being able to speak Portuguese is essential. But in general my main responsibilities include:

• Managing disciplinary and grievance procedures, performance management, sickness, absences, redundancies, maternity and paternity leave and associated pay
• Payroll
• Developing and implementing the company's health and safety policy
• Overseeing the management training program including the formal engagement of young Mozambique students into company operations in a structured training program
• Managing internal company training

HR can help and advise employees - I like the idea of making people's lives easier, even if it is for something as simple and as a straight forward job description.

• Developing and implementing the performance appraisal system
• Succession planning
• Overseeing the workers and discipline committees
• Creating and producing job descriptions, employment contracts, staff handbooks, new employee induction process and staff memos
• Assessing existing skills/experience and qualifications of current staff
• Managing the Union personal within the operations
• Actively manage recruitment and resourcing strategies

I also have an in depth knowledge of employment law so that I am able to establish the legal parameters within which my organisation operates in the HR space.

What skills do you see as important in your existing role?

The key skills to be a success in my role are:

• Speaking Portuguese
• Communication skills
• Excellent business acumen
• Knowledge of employment law in Mozambique
• Understanding people
• Organisation and administration skills
• A sense of fairness

What made you get into the HR industry?

Mainly because it was dealing with people but also because HR can help and advise employees - I like the idea of making people's lives easier, even if it is for something as simple and as a straight forward job description.

What advice would you give HR professionals relocating to Mozambique?

My top five things would be:

1. keep an open mind
2. don't expect things to be like home
3. get involved and get to know your work colleagues
4. try different foods
5. have fun